Emerging viral pathogens represent a critical area of concern in molecular virology and public health. The capacity of viruses to evolve rapidly—through genetic mutation, recombination, and adaption to new hosts—has led to the ongoing appearance of novel and often highly pathogenic strains. These continual shifts challenge our ability to control outbreaks that have profound impacts on global health, economies, and food security. In recent years, research leveraging advanced genomics, molecular biology, and structural analyses has provided crucial insights into the mechanisms that dictate viral replication, assembly, transmission, and host interaction. Despite substantial advances, major knowledge gaps persist regarding the intricacies of viral life cycles, cross-species transmission, evasion of host immune responses, and the variable pathogenicity among emerging viruses. Furthermore, the translation of molecular discoveries into effective antiviral strategies and preventive solutions remains limited for many pathogens, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary efforts and innovation in virology.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate and accelerate current knowledge on the molecular machinery underpinning the replication, assembly, and pathogenesis of emerging viruses. By drawing together advances from structural biology, genomics, immunology, and computational studies, we seek to reveal the processes that drive viral adaptation, spread, and disease onset across diverse hosts. The ultimate goal is to illuminate the pathways and interactions that enable viral persistence and pathogenesis, while fostering translational research directed at developing diagnostics, therapeutic agents, and prevention strategies. This initiative encourages targeted investigation into the underlying biology of viral emergence and the advancement of integrative measures for disease management.

The scope of this Research Topic encompasses studies of emerging and re-emerging viruses at the molecular, cellular, and systemic levels, with a focus on their replication, transmission, and response to control strategies. Interdisciplinary approaches, particularly those combining experimental, computational, and clinical perspectives, are highly valued. To gather further insights in the complex and multifaceted area of emerging viral threats, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Molecular and structural mechanisms of viral replication and assembly

o Virus–host interactions and host immune modulation

o Evolutionary dynamics, genomic diversity, and cross-species transmission

o Immune evasion, viral persistence, and pathogenesis

o Innovative diagnostics, surveillance, and antiviral strategies

o Development, evaluation, and deployment of vaccines and therapeutic interventions

o Computational and omics-based analyses informing viral epidemiology and control

Appendix: We invite original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives that provide new insights relevant to these themes.

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Molecular mechanisms and management strategies for emerging viruses